The National Weather Service office in Louisville has issued a special weather statement stressing there is a significant threat for severe and tornadic thunderstorms this afternoon and evening for Central Kentucky.

Strong storms are expected to erupt around the I-65 corridor during the early afternoon hours - from 2-4 p.m. EST.

These storms will produce large hail, damaging winds and some tornadoes. Some could stay on the ground for long periods.

The situation could worsen from 4-5 p.m. EST with storms moving east from along the I-65 corridor toward the Bluegrass Region and Southcentral Kentucky.